Power Rankings Roundup: Bucks Rise At The Break

This is a shorter than usual Power Rankings Roundup, as the All-Star Break has meant minimal NBA play since we last checked in with some of the nation’s basketball authorities. Saying that, it doesn’t seem that the Milwaukee Bucks have been done any harm by the break in anyone’s eyes.

Here at Behind The Buck Pass we’ve spent the past few weeks complaining about how, in spite of their recent great play, Milwaukee have remained overlooked in the majority of power rankings.

Well, I’m glad to say that’s a pattern that might be starting to change. This week the Bucks rose to new heights in the rankings, with the break in play perhaps acting as a chance for some to catch up on just how good the Milwaukee Grinders have been lately.

Regular readers will notice that we don’t have any roundup from Sports Illustrated or CBS Sports with neither having posted any this week, but expect to see them back next week.

Starting off the wave of positivity this week is John Schuhmann of NBA.com. Schuhmann has the Bucks in 14th this week, up one spot from last week. Not only does he set the scene for what will hopefully be a successful close out to the season, but Schuhmann also notes that the Bucks’ recent good play has come via a balanced scoring effort from across the roster.

"The Bucks won eight of their last nine games before the break (with seven guys averaging double-figures) to put them seven games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2009-10 season. They play 16 of their 29 remaining games against teams currently under .500 and 16 of the 29 at the Bradley Center, where they’ve won six straight."

More from Behind the Buck Pass

ESPN’s Marc Stein has done something a little different this week. First of all, he’s moved Milwaukee up to 13th (top ten now in sight!), but on top of that he’s invited in guest contributors from around the ESPN community to comment on all 30 teams. For the Bucks, Stein collaborated with Jeremy Schmidt of the wonderful Bucksketball who had this to say:

"Lightly regarded when the season began, Milwaukee has thrived as an underdog. So let’s see how the Bucks handle protecting their playoff spot from the chasing pack. Of course, given where they were last season, Jason Kidd’s crew will surely relish the challenge."

More from Bucks News

Yahoo’s Marc Spears was yet another who chose to move Milwaukee up one place to 13th this week, but on a slightly less positive note he spoke of the difficulty he envisions the Bucks having in their attempts to buy out Larry Sanders.

"The Bucks have a tough challenge in trying to buy out troubled forward Larry Sanders, who has three more years and $33 million left on his contract."

Drew Garrison of SB Nation is one of the final holdouts on getting aboard the Bucks bandwagon, as he still has Milwaukee ranked down in 16th. For the second week in a row, Garrison is full of praise for Milwaukee, yet his ranking doesn’t quite reflect his praise.

"If you pegged the Bucks to be comfortably in position for the playoffs with 30 wins despite Jabari Parker missing most of the season and Larry Sanders working toward a buyout, it might be time to start playing the lottery."

FanSided’s Gerald Bourguet has the Bucks in at 13 this week, up two spots from where he had them last week. It hasn’t necessarily been the perfect week for Milwaukee, but Bourguet wastes no time in reminding us all just how much the Bucks have improved over the past few months.

"Raise your hand if you had the Milwaukee Bucks making the playoffs this season. If you’re raising your hand right now, I don’t believe you, but in any event, Jason Kidd’s squad has slowly but surely emerged into one of the most pleasant surprises in the NBA this year.It doesn’t even matter that Giannis Antetokounmpo was a major disappointment in the Dunk Contest. It doesn’t matter that a four-year, $44 million extension for Larry Sanders a few years ago is going to result in an ugly buyout process. It doesn’t even matter that Jabari Parker is out for the season. (Ok, it kind of does, but still.) All that matters is the Bucks are finally seeing better days."

I don’t know about you, but the current wave of positivity surrounding the team has me looking forward to the return of NBA proper for the Bucks on Friday against the Denver Nuggets.

All of a sudden, playoff basketball is just around the corner.

Next: NBA Trade Deadline: 5 Big Men For The Bucks To Consider